the prologue: 1:1-18
The identity of the Word
John's opening paragraphs are both enigmatic and profound. At a first reading we might wonder about who 'the Word' is intended to be, but as each sentence unfolds his identity becomes clearer.
1 In the beginning was…
Jesus' public ministry commences 1:19-51
Two delegations inquire of John the Baptist
John's denial that he was the Messiah reveals more about the identity of Jesus as he is questioned by representatives of the Jewish hierarchy.19 Now this was John's testimony when the Jews of Jerusalem…